Setting up a printer on a network may seem like a straightforward task—until you’re asked to provide the printer’s IP address. At that moment, many users are left wondering, “Where do I even find that?” Whether you're configuring wireless printing or managing multiple devices on a shared network, knowing how to locate your printer’s IP address is an essential step.

What is a Printer’s IP Address?

An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to any device connected to a network. Just like your computer or phone has an IP address when it's online, so does your printer. This address allows your computer and other devices on the network to recognize and communicate with the printer.

Having your printer’s IP address is crucial for tasks like installing drivers, setting up wireless printing, troubleshooting connectivity problems, or even managing printing preferences through a web interface.

Why You Need Your Printer’s IP Address

There are a few key reasons why locating your printer’s IP address is important:

Initial network setup: When connecting your printer for the first time, your computer may ask for the IP address to establish communication.

Troubleshooting issues: If your printer stops responding, checking the IP address can help you identify whether it’s still connected to the network.

Web interface access: Some printers offer a settings dashboard through a browser, which requires knowing the printer’s IP address.

Adding a printer manually: In some network environments, you may need to manually add a printer to your system using its IP.

Methods to Find Your Printer’s IP Address

There are multiple ways to find your printer’s IP address, depending on what tools and information you have available. 

1. Using the Printer’s Display Screen

Many modern printers come with an LCD or touch display. This makes it easy to find the IP address right from the device:

Open the Settings or Setup menu.

Navigate to Network Settings, Wi-Fi Setup, or Network Configuration.

Look for a section labeled TCP/IP, Network Status, or Wi-Fi Status.

You should see your IP address listed there.

The terms may vary slightly depending on your printer’s brand and model, but the overall process is usually consistent.

2. Printing a Network Configuration Page

If your printer has a physical control panel but no touchscreen, you can usually print a network configuration page:

Press and hold the Information, Resume, or Wi-Fi button (varies by model).

Wait for the printer to print a page.

The Hp Printer IP address should be displayed under the Network Information or TCP/IP Settings section.

This page includes valuable data such as connection type, signal strength, MAC address, and more—making it a handy resource beyond just the IP.

3. Checking on a Windows Computer

If your printer is already installed and connected to a Windows computer:

Go to the Control Panel.

Open Devices and Printers.

Right-click on your printer and choose Printer Properties.

Under the Ports tab, locate the port that is checked.

If your printer uses a standard TCP/IP port, its IP address should be listed there.

Alternatively, you can also check through Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt and type arp -a.

This command displays all active network devices and their IP addresses.

You can identify your printer by matching it with the MAC address listed on the configuration page or device label.

4. Checking on a Mac Computer

Mac users can also find the IP address through the System Settings:

Open System Settings and go to Printers & Scanners.

Select your printer from the list.

Click Options & Supplies.

The IP address may be listed in the Location or General tab.

If the printer was added as an IP printer, it’s often visible during the setup process too.

5. Using Your Router’s Admin Page

Another reliable method is logging into your router’s web interface:

Open a web browser and type in the router’s gateway address (you can find this on a label on the router or in network settings).

Once logged in, go to Connected Devices, Attached Devices, or a similar section.

Look for the device name that resembles your printer’s brand or model.

The IP address should be listed next to it.

This method is particularly useful if your printer is headless (no display) and not yet installed on your computer.

        FAQs....

Can I use my printer without knowing the IP address?

Yes, if your computer automatically detects and installs the printer, you might not need to enter the IP address manually. However, for advanced settings, troubleshooting, or manual setup, the IP address becomes necessary.

What should I do if I can't find my printer on the network?

Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. You may need to reconnect it using the printer’s setup options. Restarting your router can also help.

Will the printer’s IP address change over time?

It can, especially if the router assigns IPs dynamically using DHCP. To prevent this, you can set a static IP through the printer settings or router interface.

What if the printer is not showing up in my router’s device list?

Try restarting the printer and reconnecting it to the network. Make sure it’s within range of your router and the Wi-Fi connection is stable.

Is the MAC address the same as the IP address?

No. The MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier, while the IP address is assigned based on your network. You can use the MAC address to identify your printer in the router settings.

Conclusion

Finding your printer’s IP address is a crucial step for ensuring seamless printing, especially in a shared or wireless network environment. Whether you’re using a touchscreen printer, printing a configuration page, or digging through system settings, there are multiple ways to locate this key piece of information. Understanding where to look and how to use your printer’s IP address can save you time and frustration during setup and maintenance. Once located, consider documenting the IP or assigning a static address to make future printing more hassle-free.